[MudCamper]

"Can I possess/carry my handgun/rifle/shotgun openly/loaded/concealed/otherwise when I am hiking/camping/hunting/other in the forest/park/campground/wilderness in California?"

We see questions like this often. This thread is meant as an informational post to address them.

First, understand that there are many different types of "forests" and "parks" and they are all run by different government agencies with different regulations.

Here is a list of parks, forests, public, and quasi-public lands, and their respective firearms restrictions:

- National Parks, Federal, National Park Service, US Department of the Interior - firearms now permitted but CA state law applies *1
- National Forests, Federal, US Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture - firearms and shooting welcomed but CA state law applies *2
- BLM Land, Federal, Bureau of Land Management, US Department of the Interior - firearms and shooting permitted but CA state law applies *2
- State Parks, State, California Department of Parks and Recreation - firearms prohibited *3
- Regional Parks, some are county owned (example), some are city owned - firearms often prohibited per local ordinance


*1 - The firearms prohibition in NPs and NWRs was lifted on 2/22/10. See the "Important Notes" about HR 267 in the second post in this thread.
*1 - Unloaded Open Carry is legal except in federal facilities (buildings with federal employees and no-firearms signs posted)
*1 - Loaded Open Carry is legal in one's campsite.
*1 - Since NPs can be near/within urban areas, school zones can be an issue. Unlocked/operable firearms are not allowed within 1000 feet of a K-12 school.

*2 - Unloaded Open Carry is legal almost everywhere in these lands
*2 - Loaded Open Carry is legal in areas where shooting is not prohibited, and in one's campsite (12031 et al)
*2 - Shooting is prohibited within 150 yards of any residence, building, campsite, or developed site, or on/across a road or body of water
*2 - Forest administrators have the authority to prohibit shooting in other areas of the NF but must post this information
*2 - BLM administrators may post closures and restrictions regarding firearms use
*2 - Loaded Concealed Carry is legal for licensed hunters/fishermen, while hunting/fishing, and only where shooting is not prohibited
*2 - Unloaded Concealed Carry is legal for licensed hunters/fishermen, while traveling to/from hunting/fishing trips

*3 - firearms permitted in vehicles and temporary lodgings when unloaded and "packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use"
*3 - CCW permit holders can apparently carry firearms in California State Parks


For completeness, the following are included:

- Wilderness Areas, Federal, within or part of a National Park - firearms now permitted but CA state law applies *1
- Wilderness Areas, Federal, within or part of a National Forest - shooting and/or possession may be prohibited, check with local ranger station
- National Monuments, Federal, various agencies but usually the NPS - firearms now permitted but CA state law applies *1
- National Wildlife Refuges, Federal, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior - firearms now permitted but CA state law applies *1
- DFG Wildlife Areas and Reserves, State, California Department of Fish & Game - firearms restrictions vary
- US Army Corp of Engineers Recreation Areas (San Francisco District) - firearms generally prohibited except for limited hunting activities
- PG&E owned Recreation Areas
- Private lands and privately owned campgrounds - firearms either permitted, restricted, or prohibited by the owner


This thread's focus is on parks/forests/campgrounds/etc. in California. Not all of the specifics and subtleties of carry, loaded, and transport laws are covered here. So,

- For more information about open carry, see the Open Carry FAQ.
- For specifics about carry and transport laws, see the California Carry and Transport Flyer.
- For details about the definitions of loaded, see What is Loaded in California.

Except where otherwise specified, this thread information is for people who do not hold a CCW permit.

The first three posts in this thread will be continually updated for accuracy.

[MudCamper]

Following are citations of all applicable state and federal laws.


State PC 12025 (abridged)

12025. (a) A person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm when he or she does any of the following:

(1) Carries concealed within any vehicle which is under his or her control or direction any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(2) Carries concealed upon his or her person any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.

(f) Firearms carried openly in belt holsters are not concealed within the meaning of this section.

Note: PC 12026.1 and 12026.2 provide exemptions to 12025 for transporting handguns unloaded in a locked case or vehicle trunk.

Note: PC 12025 only applies to hand guns, not rifles or shotguns, which may be concealed.


State PC 12027 exemption to 12025 (abridged)

12027. Section 12025 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:

(g) Licensed hunters or fishermen carrying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person while engaged in hunting or fishing, or transporting those firearms unloaded when going to or returning from the hunting or fishing expedition.

State PC 12031 (abridged)

12031. (a) (1) A person is guilty of carrying a loaded firearm when he or she carries a loaded firearm on his or her person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated city or in any public place or on any public street in a prohibited area of unincorporated territory.

(f) As used in this section, "prohibited area" means any place where it is unlawful to discharge a weapon.

(g) A firearm shall be deemed to be loaded for the purposes of this section when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell in, or attached in any manner to, the firearm, including, but not limited to, in the firing chamber, magazine, or clip thereof attached to the firearm.

(l) Nothing in this section shall prevent any person from having a loaded weapon, if it is otherwise lawful, at his or her place of residence, including any temporary residence or campsite.

Note: Loaded magazines are not loaded firearms. In "People v. Clark" (1996), the California Court of Appeal clarified that in order to be "loaded" a firearm must have ammunition "placed into a position from which it can be fired". It even went so far as to point out as an example of what is not loaded to include shells attached to a shotgun inside a buttstock shell carrier. Again, for more details, see What is Loaded in California.


State CCR Title 14, Div 3, Chap 1, s 4313 (abridged) (CA State Parks)

(a) No person shall carry, possess or discharge across, in or into any portion of any unit any weapon, firearm...

(c) Firearms not having a cartridge in any portion of the mechanism ... may be possessed within temporary lodging or mechanical mode of conveyance when such implements are rendered temporarily inoperable or are packed, cased, or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

State CPRC 5003.1 (abridged) (CA State Parks)

Hunting shall not be permitted in any unit now in the state park system ... Hunting may only be permitted in new recreational areas and state marine recreational management areas
that are developed for that use

Federal 36 CFR 261.10 (d) (National Forests)

The following are prohibited:

(d) Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:

(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or
(2) Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.
(3) Into or within any cave.

Federal 36 CFR 261.58 (abridged) (National Forests)

When provided by an order (per 36 CFR 261.50), the following are prohibited:

(m) Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun.

Federal 36 CFR 261.57 (abridged) (Wilderness Areas only in NFs)

When provided by an order (per 36 CFR 261.50), the following are prohibited:

(c) Possessing a firearm or firework.

Federal 43 CFR 8364 (abridged) (BLM lands)

8364.1 Closure and restriction orders.

(a) To protect persons, property, and public lands and resources, the authorized officer may issue an order to close or restrict use of designated public lands.

(The closures and restrictions can include the use of firearms.)


Federal 43 CFR 8365 (abridged) (BLM lands)

8365.2-5 Public health, safety and comfort.

On developed recreation sites and areas, unless otherwise authorized, no person shall:

(a) Discharge or use firearms, other weapons, or fireworks

Federal 36 CFR 2.4 (a) (National Parks) (Section (i) and (ii) not enforceable unless state laws are also violated)

(a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section and parts 7 (special regulations) and 13 (Alaska regulations), the following are prohibited:

(i) Possessing a weapon, trap or net
(ii) Carrying a weapon, trap or net
(iii) Using a weapon, trap or net

IMPORTANT NOTES: On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed HR 627 into law. This overrides 36 CFR 2.4 (a) and 50 CFR 27.42 effective February 22, 2010, and firearms are now permitted in NPs and NWRs but subject to state laws. However, in California, the Park Service believes that 36 CFR 2.4 (a) (iii) (prohibits the use of firearms) still applies, and that it triggers 12031(f) and therefore loading is not legal. While this action by the Park Service appears to violate the intent of the law, it would be wise to only UOC in the Parks for now. UOC is legal everywhere except in federal facilities (18 USC 930, buildings with federal employees and no-firearms signs posted) (more details). LOC is legal in one's campsite. And LCC is legal with a CA CCW permit.

H.R.627 s 512 (b):

(b) Protecting the Right of Individuals To Bear arms in Units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System- The Secretary of the Interior shall not promulgate or enforce any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm including an assembled or functional firearm in any unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System if--

(1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm; and
(2) the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System is located.

Federal 50 CFR 27.42 (National Wildlife Refuges) (Also not enforceable after 2/22/10)


State Fish and Game Code s 2006

It is unlawful to possess a loaded rifle or shotgun in any vehicle or conveyance or its attachments which is standing on or along or is being driven on or along any public highway or other way open to the public.

A rifle or shotgun shall be deemed to be loaded for the purposes of this section when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell in the firing chamber but not when the only cartridges or shells are in the magazine.

State Fish and Game Code s 3004

(a) It is unlawful for any person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, to hunt or to discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150-yard area is a "safety zone."

(b) It is unlawful for any person to intentionally discharge any firearm or release any arrow or crossbow bolt over or across any public road or way open to the public, in an unsafe manner.

[MudCamper]

A common source of confusion is assuming that one code exemption applies to all codes. Be careful not to fall into this trap. For example, it is a common misbelief that it is legal to carry/possess a loaded firearm in one's campsite regardless where that campsite is. While it is true that 12031(l) exempts you from 12031, it does not prevent your violation and conviction of some other local, state, or federal code. For an example of this, see Scenario 1 below.

Another common mistake is confusing 12025 (prohibits concealing) with 12031 (prohibits loading). See Scenario 5 and 6 below.


Scenario 1: You are in a California State Park, in your campsite, carrying an unloaded handgun openly in a belt holster.
Status: illegal - violation of CCR Title 14, Div 3, Chap 1, s 4313, possessing a firearm in a State Park

Scenario 2: You are in a National Forest, in your campsite, carrying a loaded handgun openly in a belt holster.
Status: legal - 12031(l) exempts you from 12031

Scenario 3: You are in a National Forest, walking from your campsite to a public pit toilet, carrying a loaded handgun openly in a belt holster.
Status: illegal - 12031 violation - you are not in your own campsite, and are in an area where shooting is prohibited, so 12031 applies **

Scenario 4: You are in a National Forest, walking from your campsite to a public pit toilet, carrying an unloaded handgun openly in a belt holster.
Status: legal

Scenario 5: A licensed fisherman is fishing a stream in the National Forest, within 150 yards of a developed campsite. He is carrying a loaded concealed handgun.
Status: illegal - while not violating 12025 (concealed) because of 12027, he is violating 12031 (loaded) because the nearby campsite triggers the "prohibited area" language **

Scenario 6: A licensed fisherman is fishing on a lake in a regional park, where carrying and shooting firearms is prohibited by county ordinance. He is carrying a loaded concealed handgun.
Status: illegal - 2 violations - PC 12031 (loaded) and the county ordinance


** - This entire thread presumes that the "prohibited area" language in 12031 is triggered by the various federal shooting restrictions. This is the more cautious interpretation, however, there are other interpretations.

[krzgoat]

Does this new news have any effect on this?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090520/...tional_parks_8

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by krzgoat

Does this new news have any effect on this?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090520/...tional_parks_8

Yes. See the HR 627 note in the second post in this thread.

[evmo]

Originally Posted by MudCamper

"
*2 - Loaded Open Carry is legal in areas where shooting is not prohibited

I'd like a little more clarification on this. Am I allowed to walk along an unpaved fire road in a NF while I LOC? I thought there was a 1/4 mile minimum distance rule for shooting by access roads. Does this include fire roads, jeep trails and such?

[new2me]

Ah, thanks for this; very helpful.

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by evmo

I'd like a little more clarification on this. Am I allowed to walk along an unpaved fire road in a NF while I LOC? I thought there was a 1/4 mile minimum distance rule for shooting by access roads. Does this include fire roads, jeep trails and such?

Federal 36 CFR 261.10 (d) states:

The following are prohibited:

(d) Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:

(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or
(2) Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.
(3) Into or within any cave.

And 12031 states:

(f) As used in this section, "prohibited area" means any place where it is unlawful to discharge a weapon.

So no LOC on roads. UOC on roads. Does a dirt "fire road" qualify as a road? Do what you feel comfortable with, but I'd advise caution. I frequent the Mendocino national forest, and some of the "fire roads" (crappy 4WD roads) are actually county roads and the prohibition definitely applies there.

[Gunaria]

Good informative thread, mods please make this a sticky.

[CaliforniaCarry]

Originally Posted by http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=21301

4313. Weapons and Traps

...

Firearms not having a cartridge in any portion of the mechanism, traps, nets, bows and arrows, other unloaded weapons or devices may be possessed within temporary lodging or mechanical mode of conveyance when such implements are rendered temporarily inoperable or are packed, cased, or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=21301

For state parks, you should add that unloaded firearms are also permitted in "temporary lodging". I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I would assume that a tent or camper would qualify.

The "not having a cartridge in any portion of the mechanism" is kind of vague. Are magazines considered to be a "portion of the mechanism"?

[fairfaxjim]

Originally Posted by MudCamper

So no LOC on roads. UOC on roads. Does a dirt "fire road" qualify as a road? Do what you feel comfortable with, but I'd advise caution. I frequent the Mendocino national forest, and some of the "fire roads" (crappy 4WD roads) are actually county roads and the prohibition definitely applies there.

For the most part, all "official" roads, dirt or otherwise in the Nat'l Forrest system have a road number, so any road that has been assigned a road number is offically a road. There are, however, a lot of "un-official" roads in the Nat'l Forrest that have been created over the years by forrest users. Those roads have been the subject of a suit against the National Forrest, and all of the roads in their lands have been inventoried and mapped. At the present time, all of these created non-Forest Service roads are offically closed to motor vehicle traffic. Since these roads are in actuality not roads, I would assume that you can loaded open carry on them. If anyone has reason to talk to a Nat'l Forrest ranger about firearms, it would be interesting to hear their take on it.

If you plan to drive in the Nat'l Forrest, it would be wise to get a current map that shows the legal roads for vehicle travel (and illegal for LOC), as the closed roads are all still there, but are not for motor vehicle use any longer. I do not know the status of the suit, and whether or not any of these roads are ever going to be opened again or not.

[evmo]

Ok some good info. So If I'm on a trail that crosses a NFS numbered road I have to unload once I get 150yds away, walk across the road, and then reload once I'm across and 150yds into the trees, Lame. With my luck these days I'm going to encounter an axe wielding tweeker guarding his lab with a pair of attack bears at 145yds!

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by evmo

Ok some good info. So If I'm on a trail that crosses a NFS numbered road I have to unload once I get 150yds away, walk across the road, and then reload once I'm across and 150yds into the trees, Lame. With my luck these days I'm going to encounter an axe wielding tweeker guarding his lab with a pair of attack bears at 145yds!

No. "within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area" and "within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water" Not within 150 yards of a road.

[evmo]

Originally Posted by MudCamper

No. "within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area" and "within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water" Not within 150 yards of a road.

Ah ok. That makes a lot more sense.

[Bad Voodoo]

Originally Posted by fairfaxjim

For the most part, all "official" roads, dirt or otherwise in the Nat'l Forrest system have a road number, so any road that has been assigned a road number is offically a road. There are, however, a lot of "un-official" roads in the Nat'l Forrest that have been created over the years by forrest users. Those roads have been the subject of a suit against the National Forrest, and all of the roads in their lands have been inventoried and mapped. At the present time, all of these created non-Forest Service roads are offically closed to motor vehicle traffic. Since these roads are in actuality not roads, I would assume that you can loaded open carry on them. If anyone has reason to talk to a Nat'l Forrest ranger about firearms, it would be interesting to hear their take on it.

If you plan to drive in the Nat'l Forrest, it would be wise to get a current map that shows the legal roads for vehicle travel (and illegal for LOC), as the closed roads are all still there, but are not for motor vehicle use any longer. I do not know the status of the suit, and whether or not any of these roads are ever going to be opened again or not.

Roads are roads only when they aren't roads as indicated by the secret handshake. When they aren't roads, don't LOC if the non-roads can be identified as roads by the USFS, as indicated by pencil lines drawn on homemade maps carried by USFS personnel. Now that the gub'ment has clarified their "rules" for you, feel free to LOC at your own risk!

Gawd, how I hope for the day when my right to keep and bear arms actually means keep and bear arms.

[hotwls13]

Just get a CCW permit and keep it concealed.

[Darklyte27]

awesome thanks

[evmo]

Originally Posted by hotwls13

Just get a CCW permit and keep it concealed.

I wish...

[joems]

http://www.sacbee.com/inauguration/story/1879277.html

[thempopresense]

Great thread, tagging for info.

[Californio]

I am going to take the family to the Western Sierras this summer for camping, in the Sierra National Forest, in the old days I took a 12 ga with slugs camping out of the car. Looks like it's a Condor Zone now. Do I have to have lead free slugs for purely a defensive use, bears?

[hush]

I need some clarification. Am I able to open carry(pistol) with full clip in same holster(gun is unloaded obviously) while backpacking or camping in state or fed. park? Or am I able to carry open or concealed while loaded??

Thanks Matt

[spectr17]

I am going to take the family to the Western Sierras this summer for camping, in the Sierra National Forest, in the old days I took a 12 ga with slugs camping out of the car. Looks like it's a Condor Zone now. Do I have to have lead free slugs for purely a defensive use, bears?

Right now we are being told the non lead requirement is for hunting. You can posses lead in the condor zone, just not hunt certain game with it or possess it "while" hunting. You can have it in your vehicle.

There are certain areas that restrict "any" lead in possession. Tejon Ranch is one, on our recent pig hunt there I was just filming but I had to clear my truck of all lead to enter the ranch. That was Tejon's policy in their TOU.

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by hush

I need some clarification. Am I able to open carry(pistol) with full clip in same holster(gun is unloaded obviously) while backpacking or camping in state or fed. park? Or am I able to carry open or concealed while loaded??

Thanks Matt

State Parks and National Parks are not the same thing. One is run by the State of California. The other is run by the federal government. See the first post for clarification.

Firearms are not allowed in State Parks, except locked up in vehicles.

Firearms will be allowed in National Parks after the new law goes into effect next year, but are not allowed now, unless locked up in vehicles.

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by Californio

I am going to take the family to the Western Sierras this summer for camping, in the Sierra National Forest, in the old days I took a 12 ga with slugs camping out of the car. Looks like it's a Condor Zone now. Do I have to have lead free slugs for purely a defensive use, bears?

Originally Posted by spectr17

Right now we are being told the non lead requirement is for hunting. You can posses lead in the condor zone, just not hunt certain game with it or possess it "while" hunting. You can have it in your vehicle.

Correct. The lead ammo ban is only for hunting. But you can have your ammo anywhere, not just in your vehicle, including in the firearm if not in an area where shooting is prohibited.

[Nevermore]

Just forwarded someone to this thread, it's an excellent summation and starting point for answering, "Can I legally carry in..."

A staff member should sticky this thread. It gets asked a LOT.

[GoodEyeSniper]

Originally Posted by MudCamper

Firearms are not allowed in State Parks, except locked up in vehicles.

I believe this is incorrect. Depends on which state park it is.

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by GoodEyeSniper

I believe this is incorrect. Depends on which state park it is.

Certainly true for other states, but we're referring to California State Parks. The code citation is in the second post of this thread:

State CCR Title 14, Div 3, Chap 1, s 4313 (a) (abridged) (CA State Parks)

(a) No person shall carry, possess or discharge across, in or into any portion of any unit any weapon, firearm...

If there are any exceptions other than the locked one I'd love to hear of them.

[oldschool88]

Good info, thanks.

[Got Stuff?]

Originally Posted by MudCamper

Certainly true for other states, but we're referring to California State Parks. The code citation is in the second post of this thread:

State CCR Title 14, Div 3, Chap 1, s 4313 (a) (abridged) (CA State Parks)



If there are any exceptions other than the locked one I'd love to hear of them.

Then NO CCW (with permit) in CA State Parks?

ETA: Nevermind I found the answer. Back tracked to first post.


Good thread for stickey!

[MudCamper]

This thread, which is about restrictions in wilderness areas in the Stanislaus NF, is interesting reading for those interested in this topic.

In summation, the SNF website states that firearms are not allowed in the wilderness areas, but in fact that is beyond their authority. They can only ban shooting, not possession or carry. This thread has been updated where necessary.

UPDATE 11/9/10 I was mistaken. Per 36 CFR 261.57 the FS can ban possession in a wilderness area. However it is still not clear weather SNF bans possession or just shooting in the wilderness areas.

[ktom300]

Originally Posted by MudCamper

This thread, which is about restrictions in wilderness areas in the Stanislaus NF, is interesting reading for those interested in this topic.

In summation, the SFN website states that firearms are not allowed in the wilderness areas, but in fact that is beyond their authority. They can only ban shooting, not possession or carry. This thread has been updated where necessary.

I called the Stanislaus Ranger station in Angel's camp and they stated that LOC was fine in Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. Last year we carried in Desolation Wilderness and the ranger actually said it was legal to shoot (in a safe area).
Seems like these people have no idea what they're talking about and could potentially get folks in trouble with bad info.
If I understand correctly, I can coceal carry with hunting/fishing license, while hunting/fishing? I can also keep a loaded firearm in my campsite?
I understand this is all dependant on location but right now I'm only interested in Stanislaus and specifically Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by ktom300

If I understand correctly, I can coceal carry with hunting/fishing license, while hunting/fishing?

Correct.

Originally Posted by ktom300

I can also keep a loaded firearm in my campsite?

Correct. This is even true in a wilderness area where shooting is prohibited. This is because it is 12031 that states you cannot load where shooting is prohibited, but 12031 also self-exempts in one's temporary residence or campsite.

[Seesm]

Originally Posted by MudCamper

State Parks and National Parks are not the same thing. One is run by the State of California. The other is run by the federal government. See the first post for clarification.

Firearms are not allowed in State Parks, except locked up in vehicles.

Firearms will be allowed in National Parks after the new law goes into effect next year, but are not allowed now, unless locked up in vehicles.

Some state parks you CAN in fact open carry with a loaded magazine in the gun but not a round in the chamber (same as federal state parks) however EACH state park has it's own guns laws. MOST do not allow ANY guns except locked in your vehicle. (Check each location specifically to ensure your safe)

But Federal (National) forrestry you can carry LOC legally as long as your NOT in a vehicle and if your in a vehicle you can NOT have a round in the chamber. But a loaded magazine is ok. This is on any marked or designated roads or trails.

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by Seesm

Some state parks you CAN in fact open carry with a loaded magazine in the gun but not a round in the chamber (same as federal state parks) however EACH state park has it's own guns laws. MOST do not allow ANY guns except locked in your vehicle. (Check each location specifically to ensure your safe)

According to State CCR Title 14, Div 3, Chap 1, s 4313 (a) no firearms are allowed in State Parks. I'd love to be proven wrong, so please offer a code citation.

Originally Posted by Seesm

But Federal (National) forrestry you can carry LOC legally as long as your NOT in a vehicle and if your in a vehicle you can NOT have a round in the chamber. But a loaded magazine is ok. This is on any marked or designated roads or trails.

While basically correct, this statement appears to be a mixed confusion of F&G and PC. Please read the first 2 posts of the thread.

[Seesm]

Originally Posted by MudCamper

According to State CCR Title 14, Div 3, Chap 1, s 4313 (a) no firearms are allowed in State Parks. I'd love to be proven wrong, so please offer a code citation.



While basically correct, this statement appears to be a mixed confusion of F&G and PC. Please read the first 2 posts of the thread.

Yeah when I have some extra time I will for sure offer that up....

[Seesm]

Still have not had a chance to peek but found this off a site while looking for other info about the Tahoe National Forest.

link http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/faq/index.shtml#12

National Forest lands are subject to both federal and state regulations. In general, you can carry a firearm on Tahoe NF lands, subject to the requirements of state law. Target shooting and hunting is also allowed, subject to regulation and common sense.

36 CFR 261.10(d) prohibits
Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:
(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or
(2) Across or on a Forest Development road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.

National Forest lands around French Meadows reservoir and the northwest portion of the Granite Chief wilderness are within the boundaries of French Meadows State Game Refuge. State law prohibits possession or discharge of firearms, pellet guns, and bows and arrows within the refuge.

[The Cable Guy]

So if I'm in a national forest, I am able to possess a loaded shotgun within my camp site correct?
What about discharging a firearm within a national forest? Is it legal unless prohibited by posting?

[gunsngirlz]

No loaded weapons within 150 yards of campsite

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by Seesm

Still have not had a chance to peek but found this off a site while looking for other info about the Tahoe National Forest.

link http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/faq/index.shtml#12

National Forest lands are subject to both federal and state regulations. In general, you can carry a firearm on Tahoe NF lands, subject to the requirements of state law. Target shooting and hunting is also allowed, subject to regulation and common sense.

Correct. And it's true for all NF, not just Tahoe. Perhaps you missed this link.

Originally Posted by Seesm

36 CFR 261.10(d) prohibits
Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:
(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or
(2) Across or on a Forest Development road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.

Good call. I will add 261.10(d) to the second post.

Originally Posted by The Cable Guy

So if I'm in a national forest, I am able to possess a loaded shotgun within my camp site correct?
What about discharging a firearm within a national forest? Is it legal unless prohibited by posting?

Yes. And yes.

Originally Posted by gunsngirlz

No loaded weapons within 150 yards of campsite

Correct.